Catholic Bishops of Cameroon have opened their forty ninth annual seminar in Kumba, urging Christians and leaders to become visible witnesses of love, unity, and faith amid national challenges.
By Magnus Ful
The forty ninth Annual Seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon officially opened on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Kumba, South West Region, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Fiango. The Mass, celebrated on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, was presided over by the Bishop of Kumba, His Lordship Agapitus Nfon, who welcomed his brother bishops and called on Christians to live as “beacons of love and light” in their communities. The celebration brought together over twenty five bishops, priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, and a wide spectrum of civil, political, and traditional authorities, highlighting the national importance of the gathering.
In his homily, delivered in both English and French, Bishop Agapitus Nfon reflected on the meaning of the Epiphany, describing it as the manifestation of Christ as light for all nations. He reminded Christians that faith must be visible and expressed through concrete acts of love that draw families and society closer to God. “The greatest gift we can offer to Christ is our love for one another,” he said, urging the faithful to recognize God’s presence in daily life just as the Magi discerned and followed the guiding star to Bethlehem.
Communion, Leadership, and Discernment
Addressing his brother bishops, Bishop Agapitus emphasized that authentic episcopal leadership demands courage, sacrifice, listening, and fidelity. Drawing from the liturgical readings, he stressed Christ’s humility and closeness to human suffering as the model for Church leadership. Quoting Pope Saint John Paul II, he recalled that “Epiphany is the feast of faith and the apostolate of faith,” and encouraged bishops to read the signs of the times with discernment amid Cameroon’s complex social, economic, and political realities. He further called on Christians to pray earnestly for the bishops, asking God to enlighten their deliberations during the week long seminar.
The seminar, which runs from January 3 to 10, 2026, is held under the theme “Communion and Collegiality.” It provides a space for prayer, reflection, and closed working sessions focused on strengthening unity within the Church and renewing its mission in society. The discussions build on resolutions adopted during the forty eighth seminar held in Buea in January 2025, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to peace, justice, and the common good.
Kumba, Hope, and National Significance
This year’s seminar carries special meaning for the Diocese of Kumba, which hosts the bishops in the context of its tenth anniversary celebrations. Thousands of Christians from parishes across Meme, Ndian, and Kupe Muanenguba divisions gathered for the opening Mass, seeing the presence of the bishops as a sign of hope and solidarity. Kumba and its environs continue to face persistent security challenges that have deeply affected socio economic life, making the bishops’ visit particularly symbolic.
The celebration was attended by several high profile dignitaries, including the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, the President of the South West Regional Assembly, Bakoma Elango Zaccheus, the Senior Divisional Officer for Meme, Chamberlain Ntuo’o Ndong, the City Mayor of Kumba, Gregg Mewanu, and Senator Françoise Puene, alongside traditional rulers and government officials.
As the bishops move to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Pastoral Centre in Fiango for six days of reflection, many Christians hope the seminar will contribute to healing, dialogue, and renewed peace. Against the backdrop of national challenges, the opening Mass stood as a clear reminder of the Church’s call to unity, faith, and responsible leadership in Cameroon.
